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Hello Friends and Supporters,
The end of the year is upon us, and we are honored by the opportunities we have had to train professionals from across disciplines in the understanding-based approach to conflict resolution.
This month also heralds the official end of the 2022-23 Teacher Training cohort. To all of our graduates, we wish you the best as you continue to teach others while working to unite people in conflict. For those staying on as teachers with the Center, we look forward to working alongside you in the many programs coming in 2024.
We also celebrate all of you working daily to make a difference. Whatever your reason for becoming a conflict resolution practitioner, the outcome of your efforts is one of healing, resolution, and understanding in the lives of those you bring together.
Please join us in the new year as we work to make a difference, expanding programming and accessibility and adapting to the ever-changing demands of the future - one where our legacy of education and impact continues.
Best,
James Dykeman
Executive Director
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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF IMPACT | |
As we look to the future, our priority in the coming year is to expand accessibility, evaluate and adapt programming to meet the needs of diverse audiences and voices while working to ensure that we equip those who participate in our teaching and training programs to meet the complex demands of bringing together those in conflict across all sectors of our society, at home and abroad. | |
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The Depth of Understanding in Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Conflict is a universal facet of human interaction, stemming from the intricate tapestry of differing perspectives, values, and interests. Navigating these clashes requires more than compromise or coercion; it demands a nuanced and profound approach. Enter the understanding-based approach to conflict resolution and mediation – a method that places empathy, active listening or "looping," and deep comprehension of underlying issues at its core.
At the heart of this approach lies empathy, and unlike traditional conflict resolution methods that often gravitate towards compromise, this method encourages individuals to immerse themselves in the emotions and perspectives of others. This foundational empathy sets the stage for open communication and mutual understanding, creating an environment where parties can unravel conflicts and resolutions can emerge organically. Another critical element is effective communication, an indispensable element in any conflict resolution process. Yet, the understanding-based approach elevates communication to the realm of active listening. Rather than focusing on expressing grievances, mediators urge participants to hear and truly comprehend the opposing side's concerns. This emphasis fosters a sense of validation and respect, critical elements for building bridges between conflicting parties.
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High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley
In her thought-provoking book Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out, Amanda Ripley takes readers on a captivating journey into the intricacies of human behavior and the psychological mechanisms that contribute to our entrapment in various life situations. While the book touches on a wide array of scenarios, its exploration of conflicts and resolutions offers valuable insights for professionals in conflict resolution and mediation.
Ripley’s work is a tapestry of real-life stories, scientific research, and engaging narratives that delve deep into the human psyche. From hostage situations to political stalemates, Ripley examines the commonalities that underlie our responses to high-stakes conflicts. For conflict resolution and mediation professionals, this book is a compelling resource that transcends the boundaries of specific disciplines, offering a holistic understanding of the forces at play in the human mind during times of tension. One of the book’s strengths lies in Ripley’s ability to weave together academic research and real-world examples, making the content accessible and relevant to practitioners in the field. Conflict resolution specialists will appreciate the nuanced exploration of cognitive biases and how they manifest in conflict situations. Ripley adeptly breaks down complex psychological concepts, such as loss aversion and the sunk cost fallacy, demonstrating their impact on decision-making processes within conflicts.
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The Six Underlying Concepts with Guests Katherine Miller and Catherine Conner
This episode of The Other Chair explores the six underlying concepts of the Understanding-Based model, which can guide a conflict resolution professional through difficult moments and help structure the process to minimize the challenging moments. In this webinar recording, Catherine Conner and Katherine Miller will describe the six underlying concepts, their meaning, and, most importantly, how to use them.
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CUC invites you to join our first online introductory cohort of SCPI, where conflict resolution professionals commit to exploring together practices of self-reflection that are constructive for ourselves and productive for our clients. | |
Our flagship experiential certificate training program centered around the Understanding-Based Model. | |
Realistic simulations, in which participants work through mediations from beginning to end, with coaching from our teachers, offer participants the chance to hone their skills and experience the emotional challenges faced by parties in dispute. Participants describe these different learning modes and their interplay as enjoyable, engaging, and rewarding. | |
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Online
Jan. 26 & 27 and Feb. 1 - 3, 2024
June 20 & 21, 26 - 28, 2024
West Coast
March 13 - 17, 2024
November 6 - 10, 2024
East Coast
See Below
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Join the Center for Understanding in Conflict for a comprehensive 24-hour Basic Mediation Training covering basic theory and skills of understanding-based mediation in a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
This certificate program teaches individuals the basic theories and practical skills needed to help people in conflict. Participants will learn to deescalate unproductive arguments and conflict dynamics and guide parties and lawyers involved toward positive discussions and effective decision-making. The training also covers how law and lawyers play a part in mediation, preparing participants to mediate conflicts in various settings including private contexts, court-referred cases, and community disputes.
In this 24-hour program, adapted from our gold standard mediation training, you will learn how to support parties working through conflict or engaging in other important conversations in a different way.
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Join the Center for Understanding in Conflict for a comprehensive 16-hour Advanced Matrimonial Mediation Training which will:
- Teach participants relevant New York State matrimonial and family law.
- Teach advanced skills helpful to mediate divorces and family cases effectively rooted in the understanding-based model.
- Qualify as an advanced mediation course approved under Part 146.4(b)(2) of the Rules of the Chief Administrative Judge of New York State.
- Provide 16 hours of NYS CLE credits.
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Be combined with the 24-hour Basic Mediation Training Course to receive a 40-hour completion certificate.
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As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to a town hall webinar experience to collectively explore personal and professional interests, address common concerns, and ignite a passion for applying understanding-based practices.
Join Catherine Conner and Gary Friedman and be part of an interactive discussion designed to help people find possibilities for themselves and others in the face of impossibility and gain invaluable insights to embark on a journey of successful conflict resolution and mediation with a renewed commitment to fostering harmonious relationships and creating positive change.
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All are welcome to attend, although we do ask that you register!
(Note that CUC Connect Members are automatically registered.)
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COMMUNITY VIDEO FOR DECEMBER | | | | |
